Tipp families thanked for Ronald McDonald House charity walk

Ronald McDonald House Charity in Ireland has thanked Tipperary families for their support for their local #Walk4Families event, which took place on Sunday September 11th on the Riverbank Walk, Presentation Convent in Clonmel.

The fundraising initiative raised vital funds for the new Ronald McDonald House that will accommodate 53 families alongside the new Children's Hospital when it opens on the grounds of St James's Hospital in 2020. The cost to build and fit out the new Ronald McDonald House at the new Children’s Hospital will be in excess of €16 million.

From 2004 to the end of 2015, the Ronald McDonald House Charity helped 138 families from Tipperary by providing them with family accommodation while their child was seriously ill in Crumlin Hospital. To date, the Tipperary event has raised nearly €4000 and the #Walk4Families campaign has raised over €20,000 nationally – but needs further donations to hit its target of €30,000.

 

“When I was asked to help out with the #Walk4Families event for Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin, I didn't hesitate to get on board. The fabulous house at Crumlin Hospital is a life line for my family. It's a rare opportunity for all of us to be together again. Those weekend visits by my husband, Colin and Christian, my son, are what helps get us through the really hard times,” said Susan Daly, who has stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin with her family.

 

The difference it makes to my daughter, Olivia, is difficult to put into words. She gets to actually see her big brother and her dad and to spend time with them, no amount of phone calls or Facetime calls can ever measure up to this. I can't thank the Ronald McDonald House enough for allowing us the precious time together, all four of us in the same location. It's what keeps us going and helps keep us fighting. To be honest, I know that during the lengthy hospital stays, it's the only thing we have to look forward to. We thank Ronald McDonald House Charity for giving us the gift of togetherness,” Susan Daly continued.

 

Thanking all in Tipperary for their support, CEO (Volunteer) of Ronald McDonald House Charity in Ireland, Marian Carroll, said: “We are so grateful to people for their support of our #Walk4Families event which took place all over Ireland on 10th and 11th September. The event in Clonmel was a great success – a really fun outing for all who attended, as well as raising much-needed funds for the new Ronald McDonald House in the new National Children’s Hospital.

 

“If anyone was not able to take part in the walk, they can still contribute using our text donation service by texting HOUSE to 50300 to donate €4. Since 2004, we have helped 3,000 families across Ireland and 138 families in Co Tipperary specifically. Let’s all help families and children who will be staying at the new National Children’s Hospital,” she continued.

 

Each #Walk4Families event is been organised locally by families who have stayed in the Ronald McDonald House while their own children were seriously sick in Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

 

Another parent who has stayed in the Ronald McDonald House, Rosie Conneely said: “Having a sick child far from home, families and friends is difficult, expensive and emotionally challenging. We will always be grateful to the Ronald McDonald House Charity and the wonderful staff and volunteers who looked after our family while the hospital looked after our very sick child.” 

 

If you were not able to attend a #Walk4Families event, please Text HOUSE to 50300 to donate €4. Texts cost €4 with a Minimum €3.26 going to charity (service provider is Like Charity | 076 6805278).

 

All funds raised from #Walk4Families and Texts goes directly to The Ronald McDonald House Charity, an independent charity run by a Board of Trustees appointed by the charity.